Iran blames US for disruption in oil shipments through Strait of Hormuz
Tehran: Amid rising global fuel prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran has accused the United States of being responsible for disruptions in the movement of crude oil and gas through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The statement was issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a phone conversation between Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday night.
According to the Iranian ministry, Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on what Tehran described as “crimes” committed by the United States and Israel against Iran over the past 11 days. These included alleged missile attacks on civilian areas, including a girls’ school and residential neighbourhoods in Minab.
During the conversation, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of what he called external aggression.
The two ministers also discussed the consequences of disruptions to global energy supply caused by restrictions on oil tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass.
Iran blamed Washington for the instability in the region, stating that the US had created unsafe conditions for maritime navigation in the Persian Gulf.
“The aggressive and destabilising actions of the United States have created insecurity in the Persian Gulf and caused serious disruptions to shipping routes,” the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement.
Iran further stated that the international community should hold the United States responsible for the rising tensions and the resulting impact on global energy markets.
Following the closure of the Hormuz route, global oil and gas prices have surged sharply, raising concerns among energy-importing nations. Analysts note that even minor disruptions in this critical corridor can significantly affect international fuel prices and supply chains.
Tehran also accused both the United States and Israel of violating international law and the principles of the United Nations through military actions against Iran.
“The military aggression carried out by the US and Israel violates the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter,” the Iranian ministry said, calling on governments around the world to condemn such actions.
Meanwhile, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations between India and Iran and highlighted the need for dialogue to restore stability in the region.
According to officials, the Indian minister stressed that diplomatic engagement and negotiations were essential to ease tensions and ensure stability in the Middle East, which remains a crucial region for global energy security.
